Tag Archives: Comedy Fest

As one of the top headliners on the international comedy circuit, UK comedian Alistair Barrie has performed in over 40 countries including acclaimed performances in Australia, Cape Town, Mumbai and the legendary Comedy Cellar in New York. We chatted to him ahead of the NZ debut of his five-star-rated show from last year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

Describe your show in three words or less.
Previously well-reviewed.

What’s the inspiration behind it?
A desperate need to be loved dressed up as concern for the state of the world. Or possibly the other way round.

Where will we find you at the festival?
I’ve never been to NZ before so I have literally no idea. All I’ve heard is ‘The Classic’, which could be a world-renowned comedy club or a spectacular cheeseburger for all I know.

NZ Comedy Scene – would you swipe right or swipe left?
OK. So this is a Tinder thing, right? Not a clue. I met my wife back in the day when you had to disappoint potential partners through the sheer force of your personality alone.

Do you have any top picks for this year’s festival?
Paul Sinha is a dear friend whom I first met years ago when we were both starting out in the comedy circuit. Recently, a UK newspaper ran a story on how the white-suited Chaser was trying to widen his skill set to include stand-up comedy. This is funnier than any jokes either of us will make at the Festival. He’s an absolute craftsman. With a terrible tailor.

What song or movie best describes the story of your life?
Let the Right One In. I haven’t seen it but I believe it’s based on my unsuccessful attempts to get on the TV Gala.

What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix?
I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that this questionnaire is not entirely aimed at my demographic. I mean, I’m actually reading Game of Thrones*. What a dick.* I also feel this is slightly disrespectful to my hosts here in Middle Earth.

And your top 3 songs on Spotify?
You are asking a man who has brought two laptops to NZ cos he couldn’t work out how to transfer his iTunes on to the new one. I only went on Spotify last year to try and listen to The House of Love’s debut without paying for it before I went to see them live, as my cassette player no longer exists. Therefore my top 3 songs are any of the ones on their eponymous 1988 album, from a period known as where all the good music comes from grandad.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Lie awake.

Word Association:Comedy – The international language of idiocy, although it does appear a lot of the wrong people are fluent.New Zealand – I’ve always liked the idea there was another place nearby where people turned up with less zeal.Adulting – A grown up activity in Jamaica.Basic – an early, patronising computer language.Trend – Not Classic.Joke – An Englishman, Irishman and a Scotsman walked into a bar and agree to complete a short survey.

Alistair Barrie makes his NZ debut with his show ‘The Internation-AL’ as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, running May 2-26. For dates, venues, and tickets, head to comedyfestival.co.nz.

Returning to New Zealand after a successful debut last year, award-winning comedian, Ian Smith will grace the stage in not one, but three shows this year. Catch him as part of the 5 Star Comedy Preview, Comedy All-Stars and across 11 dates of his critically acclaimed fifth solo show; Craft.

Describe your show in three words or less…
Comedy. And. Origami.

What’s the inspiration behind it?
The senbazuru – the folklore that if you fold one thousand origami cranes you get a wish. The plan is to make some wishes come true live, while also telling some jokes and stories.

Where will we find you at the festival?
The Classic for my shows – and on Sundays, I’ll be heading to Waiheke Island and having so much wine I forget that I can’t swim. I think last time I went to a vineyard (on Waiheke) I was asked if I could praise the cooking a bit quieter because I was too excited.

NZ Comedy Scene – would you swipe right or swipe left?
I don’t know which direction means what, so I don’t know. Diagonal swipe?

Do you have any top picks for this year’s festival?
I think James Acaster is all sold out – but he’s the best, so go and see him if you can! Rhys Nicholson is always brilliant too.

What song or movie best describes the story of your life?
This is a very hard question. Billy Elliott? I guess that’s about someone from the north of England trying to pursue something artistic. Replace ballet with comedy. Also, I don’t know anyone who worked in the mines.

What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix?
I watched season 2 of the OA and really liked it – but there’s a (spoiler alert) giant talking octopus in it and it comes out of nowhere really and then gets (spoiler alert) killed, and no one seems to mention it again. I think about that most days now. It didn’t seem like a talking-octopus sort of show. None of the characters seemed to find it weird. A big talking octopus!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I’d probably learn to play the drums so that everyone else couldn’t sleep either – then I’d have some company for the long nights. Maybe then we’d set up a band? Ian and the Insomniacs.

After selling out shows in previous years, Auckland-based Irish Comedian, Alan McElroy is bringing a brand new hour of comedy to this year’s NZ International Comedy Festival. Alan McElroy is S#it at Twitter is Alan’s realisation that as a story-telling comedian, Twitter’s 280 character tweets are hindering his attempts to spin a good yarn… Don’t miss your chance to see this multiple-award winning comedian, actor, MC, Quizhead and Writer at this year’s festival.

Describe your show in three words or less…
Funny, no refunds

What’s the inspiration behind it?
I am terrible on Twitter but decent on other social media apps & that confuses me so I made a show about it and show my hilarious tweets and the stories behind them and while debuting the show in Adelaide, I developed an actual structure and a message that actual proper award winning shows have…but still funny.

Where will we find you at the festival?
At The Classic Comedy Club every night possibly, not always on stage, sometimes at the bar

NZ Comedy Scene – would you swipe right or swipe left?
Always swipe right on your friends…even if they’re mingers

Do you have any top picks for this year’s festival?
Other than mine?! I like Paul Douglas & Donna Brookbanks

What song or movie best describes the story of your life?
I Touch Myself by the Divinyls

What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix?
These bloody crazy documentaries like Abducted in Plain Sight… or any Anthony Bourdain…

And your top 3 songs on Spotify?
I Touch Myself of course, All By Myself & Prejudice by Tim Minchin

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Nap! Or write, I run a load of comedy quizzes around Auckland called Crack Up Quiz & I always need to write new, weird stuff but tend to fall asleep while doing it so IF I DIDN’T fall asleep…I suppose, I’d work more…which is why I prefer sleep

Word Association:Comedy – FunnyNew Zealand – HomeAdulting – Bloody BillsBasic – ToastTrend – I’m never on itJoke – I once sold ice to an Eskimo!! It was easy.. he was a meth addict

Alan McElroy performs his solo show ‘Alan McElroy is S#it At Twitter’ and hosts ‘The Crack Up Late Show’ as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival, running May 2-26. For dates, venues, and tickets, head to comedyfestival.co.nz.

Award-winning British comedian, Tom Deacon has been performing live stand-up for over a decade. He has four Edinburgh solo shows under his belt, hosts his own TV, radio and online shows on BBC2 and BBC Radio 1, and has a football channel on YouTube that’s garnered well over a million views. If that’s not impressive enough, he’s opened for Kathryn Ryan (Netflix), hosted Comic Relief with Little Britain Star David Williams and has starred on The Rob Brydon show.

Rapture promises to be a slick, solid hour of observational comedy. If there’s one only one show you see at this year’s Comedy Festival, you’ll want it to be this.

Describe your show in three words or less…
Moist, Delicious and calorie-free!**

What’s the inspiration behind it?
Game of Thrones – but without the nude scenes, or the fighting scenes.. Or the mass appeal, budget or good acting for that matter.
I can tell you this much, it is a show (WHAT? I KNOW!) like game of thrones – people will be talking about for months to come!

Where will we find you at the festival?
7.15pm -The Classic Studio, Tue 21st – Sat 25th

NZ Comedy Scene – would you swipe right or swipe left?
Right – hopefully means I’d make some more new friends!

Do you have any top picks for this year’s festival?
Apart from my own show, obvs, Ian Smith and Lloyd Langford are working with me on the Comedy All Stars at the BMC Comedy Club- which will be great fun. (to be fair though, any of the shows need your support and love so go to all of them!)
Also The No Holds Barred Comedy Battles (I’m hosting) at the Classic – it’s going to be great banter and chaos!

What song or movie best describes the story of your life?
Frank Sinatra – My Way

What are you currently binge-watching on Netflix?
Queer Eye… I mean it has me every time towards the end of the episode when they transform someone’s life and give them the confidence to be who they are… TEAR JERKER! (and they get a whole new decorated house) Also Chefs Table…Food porn at its best!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I think I’d do my admin that I neglected in the day when I was ‘chilling’.
If I set my mind to it I would learn Spanish. I’ve always said I would and have still yet to get round to it.. just watched Dora the Explorer instead.

* By the way, just saying with question one I thought I’d describe the cake I was eating.

Tom Deacon performs in his show ‘Rapture’ and hosts the ‘No Holds Barred Comedy Battles’, both as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, running May 2-26. For dates, venues, and tickets, head to comedyfestival.co.nz.

She danced the streets as an Eagle, considers our Prime Minister to be among her best friends (she’s watched her in a play – that counts, right?!), and has had sell-out seasons of her solo comedy show, Tiki Tour. Kura Forrester is an actor, comedian and writer whose television credits include Super City, Real Housewives of South Auckland, and Find Me A Maori Bride. She’s also appeared in The Breaker Upperers and Taika Waititi’s critically acclaimed, What We Do in the Shadows. This Comedy Fest, Kura will take to the stage in two shows; her new solo show ‘Kura, Should, Woulda’ and ‘Mincing’ with her improve super-group, Snort with Friends. We chat to her about her solo show.

Describe your show in three words or less…
Outrageous, Whimsical, Hilarious

What’s the inspiration behind it?
I’m using my true life experiences to make this show and, along with my amazing director Jessica Joy Wood, we are stretching each story out to include the characters that they bring out in me. I love to play characters and have 4 in the show who are all crack up! I talk a lot about my whānau, my ex-lovers, being the youngest and feeling like I don’t “have it all together”. But, who does right? After seeing “Kura, Shoulda Woulda” you will know heaps more about me and how I feel in the world- and have sore abs from laughing.

Where will we find you at the festival?
Well, I hang out at The Basement heaps, and most likely running between venues trying to see as much as possible!

2019 Billy T Nominee Kura Forrester performs her new solo show ‘Kura, Shoulda, Woulda’, as well as performing in ‘MINCING’ and with improv super-group ‘Snort With Friends’, all as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo, running May 2-26. For dates, venues, and tickets, head to comedyfestival.co.nz.

The NZ International Comedy Festival is back from Thursday 2 – Sunday 26 May in both Auckland and Wellington. As always, the festival promises a line-up of both local and international comedy superstars. Not sure who to see? We’ve put together our list of top picks (in alphabetical order) for you to have a look at.

Every year The Classic turns up yet another brilliant star of the UK Pro-comedy circuit that you haven’t heard of yet. This year, Alistair Barrie makes his NZ debut with his acclaimed five-star rated show from last year’s Edinburgh Fringe. The Internation-AL is an ambitious attempt to solve all the world’s problems in 60 minutes through the medium of comedy.

What are the moments that define a life? How will you be remembered in the future? What really happened in that Thai cave?

Acclaimed comedian and storyteller Brendon Green is tackling the big questions – with hilarious results. If you’ve ever wondered about your place in the world, this is the show for you. If you never have… congrats, that must be nice.

Scottish ‘Comedian of the Year’ finalist, Chris Henry is on a whirlwind global giggle-fest as he attempts to find ‘The One’. This sell-out show from the 2018 Edinburgh Festival tracks his hilarious and poignant tale of being a bachelor at 40 and how he is taking on the challenge of touring around the world in search of the ideal life partner to settle down with. It is a hysterical account of putting yourself out there on, quite literally, a global scale.

Internationally acclaimed, award-winning Scottish stand-up star, Daniel Sloss returns to New Zealand with his new show, X. Brilliantly dark with razor-sharp wit and the ability to deftly spin a narrative, Sloss is a comedian who is “dirty, sweet and clever” (New York Times, USA).

X is his 10th solo show and if you’ve not seen him live before, it’s time to find out why he is fast becoming one of the world’s biggest names in comedy!

No international comedian has headlined more NZ Comedy Festivals than irishman Ed Byrne, and he is back in 2019 with a brand new show – Spoiler Alert. In the show, Ed explores the thin line between righteous complaining and brat-like whining and asks, ‘are we right to be fed up, or are we spoiled?’

Is Eleanor Tiernan a foolish woman to believe she can succeed without a sex tape? There are so many excellent reasons to give in. Seeing the way others are rewarded for releasing footage of their sex lives makes it more and more difficult. Personal dignity may be turning out to be the most expensive accessory of them all. All will be revealed, or will it?

Guy Williams is back! Some of you might not have even noticed that he was gone, or even realised that he was here in the first place, that doesn’t matter… he’s back!

The star of the critically acclaimed “New Zealand Today” web series and TV show takes a short break from his busy schedule of arguing with people on the internet to make his self-described “triumphant” return to Auckland, the place where he has been all along.

James Roque has always thought his hang-ups about being brown were born when he landed on kiwi soil all those years ago. Now he realizes he accidentally checked in some baggage. Join him as he unpacks it all – who knows what will come out.

A brand new hour of “too real” laughs from the Filipino step-son of New Zealand comedy.

Oh we love our Jimmy. The English poster boy for white male privilege is back, for a fourth sell-out year, with a brand-new show full of the usual complaints and foolish hopes. An analogue man in a digital world, marooned as a bachelor amongst a sea of marriages and kids, Jimmy continues to steer clear of anything too serious in life and not step on any millennial language landmines.

Pop in and see Joe Lycett when he visits Auckland, where he’ll be sharing jokes, paintings and some of the pathetic internet trolling he’s been up to recently. As seen on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI, Live at the Apollo and The Royal Variety Performance.

The Comedy Fest welcomes the comedian with all the answers, for the first time in NZ. As seen on TVNZ’s The Chase, the ‘Sinnerman’ turned his back on a family medical dynasty 20 years ago after being nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award. He is now a champion of both the pro-comedy circuit as well as one of the UK’s finest quiz-masters.

The NZ International Comedy Festival takes place 2 – 26 May. Get your tickets for all shows here.

These opening adjectives and location alone, suggest that this will be no ordinary show from the NZ International Comedy Fest 2018.

A throwback to late nights and bacchanal activities, ‘Juan Vesuvius – I Am Your Deejay’s’ run of sold-out performances this season, is proof enough that this is one event not to be missed. Upon initial research and the sold -out status of his show, Juan had me chomping at the bit even before opening night!

‘Decked’ in 1970/80’s tennis garb, sports towel draped over shoulder and Pablor Escobar’esque moustache, comedian Barnie Duncan‘s alter-ego Juan takes us through a journey of house music from Chicago to Ibiza.

His show is packed full of interesting and historical facts, as well as being awesomely entertaining as well. From the anti-gay laws of 1960’s New York, fascinating references to the infamous after-hours gay bar – the ‘Stonewall’ and consequent riots; the private apartment/nightclub – ‘The Loft’ and equally as legendary DJ & proprietor Dave Manhuso, with his particular penchant for attractive, towel-clad men ….. Juan’s knowledge of the foundations of house, audiophile equipment and progression of high-fidelity sound is second to none.

As this audio trip takes us into the next decade, we are treated to the hyper-sexual vibe of disco, in the most clever, crazy and side-splitting way …. drawing parallels to Donna Summer, horny flowers and exploding pollen.

Of course classic, ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and the inevitable fate of disco make a notable mention, as does the succeeding warehouse sound of Chicago and development of club culture through Manchester’s ‘Hacienda’ – a hedonistic playground and home to ‘The Smiths’, ‘Happy Monday’s’, ‘Depeche Mode’ (my personal favourite) and much more of electronica’s finest still.

Hilarious observations of house music’s nemesis, David Guetta and his sound slaying of popular artists such as; Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas, are undeniable.

This is a comedy production that is out of the ordinary, indescribable, and from the reaction of the audience I was lucky to be a part of; a show that people will definitely be talking about for a long time after ….

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